Geographical Fieldwork Fundamentals

These vocabulary flashcards cover the terminology and concepts related to geographical fieldwork planning, data collection, statistical analysis, and presentation methods based on the lecture transcript.

Fieldwork

The processes geographers conduct to collect data in order to study and explain various geographical phenomena.

Hypothesis

A statement of prediction that can be proved or disproved, usually predicting the relationship between two variables or factors.

Sampling

The process of selecting a subset of data from the entire population to ensure the study is manageable in terms of time and cost.

Population

The total number of objects or persons in the target group to be studied.

Random sampling

A sampling method where each member of the population is assigned a number or code and selected by chance, giving every member an equal chance to be selected.

Systematic sampling

A sampling method where samples are selected at regular intervals, either spatially or temporally, after the first sample is drawn randomly.

Stratified sampling

A sampling method where the population is divided into subgroups or strata based on specific characteristics, such as age or geographical area, before samples are taken from each.

Convenience sampling

A non-random sampling method where data collectors select samples that can be accessed easily and conveniently.

Quota sampling

A sampling method where a specific number of samples are set to be chosen from various subgroups, often selecting people based on convenience until the quota is met.

Qualitative data

Data that is non-numerical or categorical in nature, often describing qualities or characteristics.

Quantitative data

Numerical data that can be measured and expressed using numbers.

Nominal data

A type of qualitative data that shows the type or class of a feature without any ranking or order, such as sex or land use types.

Ordinal data

A type of qualitative data where there is a specific order or ranking between the classes, such as social class (high, middle, low).

Discrete data

Numerical measurements that are whole numbers, where no value exists between any two consecutive numbers, such as the number of building blocks.

Continuous data

Numerical measurements that can take any value between two consecutive numbers, such as the velocity of a stream.

Primary data

Information collected directly in the field by the researchers themselves.

Secondary data

Published data or information that has been collected and recorded by other people or organizations.

Environmental quality survey

A survey used to assess the quality of the environment or buildings, usually involving a scoring system based on personal judgement.

Field sketching

A recording method where collectors draw the environment to show selective qualitative information of features, often using annotations for description.

Quadrat

A square frame used for setting a small sample area on the ground to count organisms, species, or litter.

Anemometer

A specialized piece of equipment used for measuring wind speed.

Clinometer

An instrument used to measure the angle of a slope or the height of a feature.

Pilot study

A small-scale preliminary study conducted to identify potential difficulties and test fieldwork design before the actual investigation.

Mean

The arithmetic average of a data set, calculated as the sum of all values divided by the total number of data ($n$).

Median

The value of the middle item in a ranked set of data.

Mode

The datum that appears most frequently in a set of data.

Standard deviation

A statistical measure ($\sigma$) that summarizes the amount by which every datum within a data set varies from the mean.

Independent variable

The variable that causes or produces changes in another variable.

Dependent variable

The variable whose value changes as a result of changes in the independent variable.

Best fit line

A straight line drawn on a scatter diagram to show the general linear trend or relationship between two variables.

Spearman's rank correlation coefficient

A statistical measure ($r$) ranging from $-1$ to $+1$ used to precisely examine the direction and magnitude of the relationship between two variables.

Histogram

A graphical representation used to show the distribution of continuous data.

Triangular graph

An efficient tool used to compare the composition of three (and only three) common components that add up to $100\%$, such as employment structure.

Radar chart

A chart used to display three or more quantitative variables, commonly used for displaying ratings in environmental quality surveys.

Choropleth map

A shading map where administrative regions are colored or patterned to represent a range of values, such as population density.

Isolines

Lines on a map that join points of equal value, such as isohyets (rainfall) or isotherms (temperature).

Validity

The accuracy and suitability of the specific method or equipment used to collect the data it is intended to collect.

Reliability

The ability of a fieldwork method to yield consistent and comparable results over repeated testing periods.